Who Should I Start? Troy Franklin or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Tuesday, September 16, 11:08 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin had a breakout game in Week 2, recording eight catches for 89 yards and a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. The second-year wideout now has 12 catches for 133 yards and a score through the first two games of the season. Franklin's 15 targets lead the team, ahead of even star Denver wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Franklin has a tough matchup in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers, but he's still a player for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire given his emerging role in Denver. Franklin should be added in all PPR-scoring leagues with 14 or more teams.

Friday, September 12, 1:50 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. was quiet in the team's Week 1 win over New England, logging just two catches on four targets for 45 yards while playing 60% of the snaps. Encouragingly, he drew more targets than Tre Tucker despite fewer snaps, and the Raiders leaned on the passing game as Geno Smith threw for 362 yards. With Chip Kelly determined to stretch the field, Thornton's speed keeps him in play as a stash with big-play potential. The Week 2 matchup adds intrigue, as the Chargers just allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in Week 1, giving Thornton an outside chance to make noise if he sees increased usage. Until his role grows, he's best kept on benches, but the upside is worth monitoring.